Is Your Facility Prepared For Hurricane Season?
Summers are getting longer and warmer, and that means that summer storms are increasing in severity. More and more areas are in danger of experiencing these storms, especially now. June marks the start of hurricane season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict that this will be an above-average hurricane year. That means that it's high time for facility managers to make sure that their buildings, tenants, and employees are protected. Unfortunately, the past few years have hit everyone very hard.
With business closures, supply chain disruptions, and the rapid re-configuring of facilities to handle the impact of COVID-19, most managers simply haven't had the time or resources to prepare for other emergencies. Unless they get started, this could put them dangerously behind when hurricanes strike.
Most people know that, when a hurricane's about to hit, it's important to protect windows and prepare for disruptions in electrical and sanitation service. There are a number of other challenges that often get overlooked:
1. Prepare for pest control.
Summer is already miserable when it comes to mosquitoes. In the aftermath of a hurricane, when there's lots of humidity and standing water around, biting insects can breed like there's no tomorrow. Facility managers should have mosquito repellent and prevention measures available. EPA-approved products containing Bacillus thuringiensis spores and toxins are a very useful way to help keep insect populations down. These products are specific to mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and blackflies, so they're safe for pollinators and vertebrate animals. They're also easy to use. Best of all, they control mosquitoes during their larval stage, before they can begin biting. Facility managers should also have the proper protective equipment for storm cleanup. Employees who are out removing downed tree limbs, unclogging gutters, and handling other post-hurricane tasks are at risk of insect bites. Provide suitable repellents and protective gear. Don't forget to promptly drain areas of standing water to cut down on mosquito breeding spots.
2. Get ready for mold remediation.
Standing water and humidity are an ideal environment for mold growth. Mold remediation is complex and expensive, so prevention is a facility manager's best bet. The key to controlling mold is to deprive it of moisture, so make sure that any flooded areas are drained and dried as quickly as possible. If any materials (like paper, fabric, ceiling tiles, or cardboard) get and stay wet for more than a day or two, they should be disposed of. Facility managers should have respirators, gloves (latex, nitrile, neoprene, PVC, or polyurethane), and goggles available to supply to employees engaging in mold cleanup. If there's reason to suspect that the HVAC system may be contaminated with mold, keep it turned off. Have water pumps, wet vacs, and ventilation fans available to help dry out flooded areas.
3. Stock up on extra inventory (including PPE and disinfectants).
Just because COVID-19 is on the decline doesn't mean the threat is completely gone. Hurricanes can also disrupt supply lines, so it's wise to plan for shortages. Since so many businesses have been closed or running at a reduced capacity, chances are they aren't set up to weather a hurricane. It's time to review inventory, make sure there are enough extra supplies to handle a few delayed shipments and be sure to include protective gear, masks, and disinfectant. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Federal Emergency Management Agency for additional advice.
4. Catch up on deferred maintenance.
With the looming specter of COVID, chances are that a lot of facilities have had to defer important maintenance tasks. If this is the case, now's the time to play catch-up. Hurricanes put a lot of extra strain on already-taxed employees, so try to get on top of the things that have gone by the wayside. Take a look at deferred maintenance checklists, and try to take care of as much as possible.
5. Plan for debris.
Hurricanes mean powerful winds and torrential rain, which creates a mess. In addition to the pest control measures outlined above, be ready to handle debris. If possible, trim trees and prune landscaping to reduce the possibility of downed limbs. If there are any structures on the property slated for a tear-down, now is the time to dismantle and dispose of them. All of these things contribute to storm debris, but they're also potential projectiles during a hurricane.
6. Double-check chemical storage.
Hurricanes often mean flooding, and flooding means leaching. Anything that flood water comes in contact with can end up contaminating groundwater. If a facility stores chemicals, hazardous waste, or even compost, these are all potential avenues of contamination. Make sure that storage areas for chemicals or hazardous material meet regulatory requirements. Hurricane season is already a stressful and difficult time. With the added complication of the pandemic, it's doubly so. By planning ahead for mosquitoes, mold, debris, supply shortages, neglected maintenance tasks, and potential chemical leaks, facility managers can help keep their properties and occupants safe and healthy.
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